Michael Phelps, co-owner of Vintage Depot along with his Robin Phelps, is reflected in a mirror found in the collectibles area of the store at 94 Merchants Row in Rutland.

Vintage Depot, a brand new antique store located at 94 Merchants Row in downtown Rutland, opened its doors just this past spring. Owners Michael and Robin Phelps agreed to answer some questions about their fledging business.

What is Vintage Depot?

It is a collection of antique, collectibles and vintage items.

How/why did the company begin? What was the inspiration, the story behind its beginning?

We began our store out of a love all things antique and vintage. Michael is also a coin and currency expert, which is also a part of our store. We were presented with the opportunity of a lifetime when a space in downtown Rutland became available. We felt that this was our chance to fulfill a lifelong dream for both of us.

What makes your company unique? What is the most interesting aspect of your company?

Our shop has multiple dealers and artisans. Every dealer has something different to offer, be it furniture, glassware, lighting, etc. Our collectible dealers offer everything ranging from autographed baseballs, trains, to Star Wars memorabilia. Artisans’ work includes hand-blown glass art, paintings, weaving and handmade greeting cards. We also have a wide variety of coins and currency.

Why did you open the store here? What is it about Rutland that seemed a good fit?

Downtown Rutland is amazing. With so much negativity about our wonderful city in the news lately, we couldn’t be prouder or happier to prove the media wrong. Downtown is full of hustle and bustle, as well as a wide variety of fantastic shops and restaurants.

If you are a locally-owned Rutland area small business or sole-proprietorship and would like to be featured in A Business Story, please contact joanna@rutlandreader.com.

Joanna Tebbs Young is a Writer and Writing Workshop Facilitator living in Rutland. Contact her atjoanna@wisdomwithinink.com, wisdomwithinink.com,facebook.com/TheWritersRoomatAllenHouse or on Twitter at @jtebbsyoung.